Guidelines for Mentoring Success

"If you cannot see where you are going, ask someone who has been there before."

• Be clear on how often you will communicate; whether it will be by phone, e-mail, or other channels; how quickly you will respond; and confidentiality.
• Make contact frequently, especially during the first few weeks, to build a trusting relationship.
• Respect your mentee/mentor's experience and views even if you don't agree.
• Follow up when you make a commitment to get information, take action, etc.
• Don't ever leave your mentor hanging. If you don't respond, the mentor will feel that they weren't helpful. You never want to leave someone who has volunteered to help with this kind of impression.
• Don't ever leave your mentee hanging. If you don't respond, the mentee will feel like they are not valued. You never want to leave someone who has asked for mentoring assistance feeling uncertain about the relationship.
• Be appreciative of whatever you get from your mentee/mentor; learn their strengths and seek or offer advice in these areas.
• Work to make the relationship a two-way street. This means you should always be on the lookout for information/resources that might be of interest to your mentee/mentor.
• Be flexible and enjoy the experience!